The Holton Wildcats will begin their 20th straight playoff campaign, just like they did last year with a Thursday night game against Baldwin on the turf field at Baker University.  Last year, Holton used a couple takeaways and scored twice in the final minute of the first half, including a trick play, to build a 20-0 lead and hold on for the 20-14 win.  Holton won the turnover battle 3-0 and overcame 10 penalties for 77 yards to win their opening playoff game for the fifth consecutive season.       

Both teams are 6-3 as Holton comes in one win better than last year, while Baldwin has improved their win total by three already this season under first year Head Coach Doug Kerr.  Both teams have quality losses to playoff opponents and there is no common opponent between the two this year.  After a District loss to Hayden, Holton defeated Santa Fe Trail last Thursday 21-6 to get in the final 4A Division II bracket, while Baldwin won their three district game all by 17 points and scored at least 41 points in each victory.  

Both defenses are allowing about 22 points per game, however Holton is posting 350 yards of total offense per outing while Badwin is closer to 300.  While Holton gets 333 yards per game rushing and has only completed six passes this year, Baldwin is balanced with 194 yards rushing but 106 yards passing from the senior dual-threat quarterback, Luke Laskowski.  Laskowski ran for 93 yards against the Cats last year as had 701 rushing this season while completing 50 of 100 passes for 875.  The Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the 10th time in the last 11 years but searching for their first playoff win since 2014.  Connor Quick leads Baldwin with 542 rushing yards while Hunter Ramirez has 497 rushing yards as well as 283 receiver.  The Wildcats have a trio of runningbacks with more than 530 yards in AJ Haussler, Dylan Aeschliman and Jayger Carson while quarterback Mason Strader has added 453.  

Kickoff is 7:00 PM tonight with live coverage on KNZA 103.9 FM (click here to listen) and The Holton Channel (click here to watch/listen).  The winner will get either Frontenac (6-3) or Girard (4-5) next week.